AnalogFX SER-2020: A Monophonic Analog Synthesizer with Semi-Modular Design
The AnalogFX SER-2020 is a high-quality monophonic analog synthesizer in a compact desktop format, designed with a semi-modular architecture. This semi-modular synthesizer is fully Eurorack compatible, allowing seamless integration with other Eurorack modules, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned synthesizer enthusiasts.
Inspired by the Legendary Synton Syrinx*(1)
Drawing inspiration from the iconic Synton Syrinx, the AnalogFX SER-2020 captures the unique and distinctive sound that made the Syrinx a favorite among artists like Aphex Twin, Air, and Depeche Mode. As a Synton Syrinx-inspired synth, the SER-2020 brings the sonic character of this rare classic into the modern era, offering a powerful tool for creating both vintage and contemporary sounds.
Advanced Oscillator and Filter Sections with CEM3340 and CEM3350 Chips
At the heart of the SER-2020 are the legendary CEM3340 oscillator and CEM3350 filter chips, which have been used in iconic synthesizers such as the SCI Prophet 5, Rhodes Chroma, and Crumar Spirit. These components give the SER-2020 its rich, warm analog tone and versatile sound-shaping capabilities. The filter section, featuring a 24-dB low-pass filter and two independent resonant peak filters with separate cutoff and resonance controls, provides a dynamic range of sound, from deep basses to intricate formant effects.
Touch’n’Bend Pad and MPE Control for Expressive Performance
The AnalogFX SER-2020 includes an innovative Touch’n’Bend pad, offering precise control over the VCO, VCF, and VCA. This feature allows users to adjust pressure sensitivity and fully supports MPE control (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) for Strike, Press, Glide, Slide, and Lift, making the SER-2020 an exceptional MPE control synthesizer for those looking to explore new dimensions of expression in their music.
Funky Human Voice Programming Made Easy
The latest revision of the SER-2020 introduces a powerful Formant Mode feature, designed to simplify the process of creating funky and realistic voice effects. With pre-programmed human voice formant settings for the filters, the SER-2020 makes formant programming more accessible than ever.
Now, you can effortlessly craft patches that emulate the sound of a human voice or create a more distinct, funky bass tone. Simply select one of the 16 pre-programmed formants and assign it to any key, unlocking new possibilities for expressive sound design.
Versatile Sound Design with Rich Modulation Options
The SER-2020 features two powerful VCOs (Voltage-Controlled Oscillators) and one sub-oscillator driven by VCO 1, delivering a wide range of sound design possibilities. Both VCOs offer selectable waveforms, including triangle, sawtooth, square, and pulse signals. By utilizing Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) on both VCO 1 and VCO 2, you can achieve a rich spectrum of tones.
The SER-2020’s LFO 1 and LFO 2 signals can be routed to the PWM section, introducing unique effects such as phase shifts and Doppler frequency shifts. Each VCO has its own LFO for PWM, allowing for chorus-like effects by controlling the pulse waves with different LFO speeds.
VCO 2 can be synchronized to VCO 1 in various modes, ensuring precise pitch matching without phase shift or beat effects. Detuning VCO 2 from VCO 1 introduces dramatic tonal variations, adding depth and complexity to your sound.
For further flexibility, each VCO, along with the noise generator and sub-oscillator, has its own individual output, all accessible via the patch panel. This setup enables intricate patching and layering for advanced sound creation.
Advanced Filtering for Enhanced Sound Design
The SER-2020 boasts a sophisticated VCF (Voltage-Controlled Filter) system, which is central to its sound design capabilities. This comprehensive filtering system includes a 24 dB/octave low-pass filter and two independent band-pass filters, collectively forming the advanced Voltage Controlled Formant filter.
Versatile Band-Pass Filters
The band-pass filters in the SER-2020 are equipped with frequency and resonance controls, allowing for precise adjustment of selective amplification within the pass band. These filters feature a control voltage mixer that integrates with various modulation sources, including LFO (Low-Frequency Oscillator), ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release), and key range voltages. The LFO control also supports external modulation input, expanding your creative possibilities.
24 dB/Octave Low-Pass Filter
The low-pass filter offers a standard 24 dB/octave roll-off, providing smooth and effective filtering. It includes a frequency control and a modulated CV mixer that receives input from multiple sources such as LFO, ADSR, and key range. Additionally, the low-pass filter features adjustable resonance, enabling detailed control over the filter’s tonal characteristics.
Overall, the SER-2020’s VCF system offers extensive flexibility and precision, crucial for creating rich and dynamic sounds.
Dual Generators for Versatile Control
The SER-2020 features two dedicated ADSR generators (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release), enhancing its sound design flexibility. Each ADSR generator serves a distinct purpose: one controls the internal VCA (Voltage-Controlled Amplifier), while the other manages the filter section.
Advanced ADSR Controls
The ADSR controls in the SER-2020 allow for sophisticated modulation of the filters. You can invert the control signal in the filter section, enabling filters to be swept in opposite directions for complex sound textures.
Both ADSR 1 and ADSR 2 offer positive and negative (inverted) direct outputs available on the patch panel. This feature provides additional routing options and flexibility for intricate sound shaping and dynamic modulation.
Overall, the SER-2020’s dual ADSR generators deliver extensive control over both the VCA and filter section, making it a powerful tool for precise and expressive sound design.
Advanced Modulation and Versatile Control
The SER-2020 features two independent Low Frequency Oscillators (LFOs), each offering unique modulation capabilities and flexible control options.
LFO 1: Dedicated Modulation and Clock Source
LFO 1 generates a triangle wave, specifically routed to the pulse width modulation (PWM) control input of VCO2. In addition to the triangle wave, LFO 1 also produces a square wave and a pulse wave. The square wave is available as a direct output on the patch panel, while the pulse wave is internally routed to the sample and hold generator as a clock source.
LFO 2: Versatile Modulation and One-Shot Function
LFO 2 offers greater versatility, suitable for modulating both the VCOs (Voltage-Controlled Oscillators) and the filters. Beyond standard modulation, LFO 2 can function as a one-shot generator, providing a signal similar to an Attack/Release function. This allows for dynamic and expressive sound shaping.
LFO 2’s rate control can be adjusted using the preset knob, and it can also be dynamically controlled with the Touch’n’Bend pad, offering real-time modulation adjustments.
Enhanced Control and MPE Compatibility
The SER-2020 integrates a unique Touch ‘N Bend Pad, offering intuitive and expressive control over various synthesizer parameters. By pressing the pad with your left hand index and middle fingers, you can adjust the pressure sensitivity for the VCO (Voltage-Controlled Oscillator), VCF (Voltage-Controlled Filter), and VCA (Voltage-Controlled Amplifier).
Advanced MPE and MIDI Control
The Touch ‘N Bend Pad is fully compatible with MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE), reacting to MIDI modulation control and MIDI brightness (CC#74). This allows for advanced modulation and expressive performance capabilities, making it easier to shape your sound dynamically.
LFO 2 Rise/Decay Mode Control
You can also control the speed of the rise/decay mode of LFO 2 using the Touch ‘N Bend Pad. Pressing the UP pad shortens the LFO cycle, while pressing the DN pad extends it, providing precise control over modulation timing.
Ergonomic Design for Maximum Flexibility
The slant position of the Touch ‘N Bend Pad is designed for ergonomic use, allowing your right hand thumb to simultaneously adjust other parameters using nearby knobs and toggle switches. This design enhances usability and makes complex adjustments more accessible during performance.
Advanced MIDI Polyphonic Expression Control
The SER-2020 is fully compatible with MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression), offering extensive control over various aspects of sound design through MIDI. This compatibility enhances your ability to shape and manipulate sounds with greater precision and expressiveness.
MPE Controls and Their Functions:
-Strike (Note-On Velocity): Sets the initial level of the VCA (Voltage-Controlled Amplifier) based on the velocity of the note-on event.
-Press (Aftertouch): Adjusts the level of the VCA in response to aftertouch pressure, allowing for dynamic changes in sound intensity.
-Glide (Pitch Bend): Modifies the pitch of the VCOs (Voltage-Controlled Oscillators) to create smooth pitch transitions and expressive bends.
-Slide (Brightness): Controls the Band Pass filter output and can be assigned to adjust parameters on the VCO, VCF (Voltage-Controlled Filter), and VCA, enabling nuanced control over sound timbre.
-Lift (Note-Off Velocity): Sets the release level of the VCA based on the velocity of the note-off event, affecting how the sound fades out.
With these MPE controls, the SER-2020 provides a highly responsive and versatile synthesizer experience, perfect for both expressive performance and intricate sound design.
